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Behavioral Health News, Events, & More
for the Mid-Shore Region
| | Register for the 14th Annual Across The Lifespan Conference | | |
Registration for the 14th Annual Across The Lifespan Conference, taking place on April 25th, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Miles River Yacht Club in St. Michaels, MD, is now open!
This conference will focus on wellness promotion and preventative measures, addressing critical topics like substance use disorder and suicide prevention across all age groups.
The event will feature expert speakers from various fields, offering valuable insights into mental health, wellness, and prevention. For questions, please contact tleatherwood@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education learning activities and maintains full responsibility for this program. This training qualifies for Category I continuing education units.
Register here.
| | Caliber Awards: Invitation Only | | Save the Date! Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.'s 27th Annual Caliber Awards will take place on May 16, 2025, at Temple B'nai Israel in Easton, MD. Invitations will be sent out soon. | | Point-In-Time Count Results | | |
The Point-In-Time (PIT) Count is an annual survey that measures homelessness across the U.S. This year, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Team contributed by gathering critical data from individuals in encampments, shelters, and temporary housing in Maryland.
The findings are concerning—homelessness has increased by 50% since 2024, underscoring the urgent need for expanded resources and stronger support systems. Programs like Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.'s Continuum of Care are crucial in connecting individuals to housing, mental health services, and community support.
Learn more about the CoC program here.
| | Permanent Supportive Housing Referral Form Now Available | | The Mid Shore Roundtable on Homelessness is accepting referrals for its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. This program supports individuals who are homeless and have a severe mental health diagnosis. If you happen to know someone who may be eligible, please complete the referral form in its entirety and submit it to Fran Doran at fran.doran@hishopeministries.org. For questions, contact 443-239-4486. | | April: A Month of Awareness and Advocacy | | |
April is dedicated to raising awareness about critical health and social issues that impact individuals and communities. This month, we recognize the importance of equity, education, and prevention in promoting overall well-being.
National Minority Health Month – Advocating for health equity and reducing disparities in underserved communities.
Autism Awareness Month – Promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism and their families.
Alcohol Awareness Month – Educating on alcohol use, prevention, and available support resources.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for prevention and justice.
World Health Day (April 7th) – Highlighting global health initiatives and the need for accessible healthcare for all.
Throughout April, we encourage everyone to learn, support, and engage in efforts that make a positive impact in our communities.
| | Celebrating National Public Health Week | | The American Public Health Association (APHA) will celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW) from April 7-13, 2025, under the theme "It Starts Here." This milestone event will recognize decades of public health progress, from expanding health insurance coverage to developing the COVID-19 vaccine in record time. APHA encourages participation through free resources, including graphics, fact sheets, and a newly released 30th-anniversary logo. NPHW 2025 will focus on five key pillars: prioritizing public health, championing climate resilience, advancing health equity, strengthening the workforce, and amplifying advocacy efforts. Learn more here. | | Behavioral Health News And Reports | | Steering Wheel Feedback Survey | | Behavioral Health Surveys | | |
We've heard your feedback! The Steering Wheel will be a single-month issue format to incorporate the suggestions from our subscribers. Please continue to give us feedback so we can keep providing the best resources possible.
Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by clicking on this survey link.
| | Volunteer Participants Needed for Race-Based Traumatic Stress Study | | |
Clinical mental health professionals are invited to participate in a research study on race-based traumatic stress (RBTS). This brief survey, part of a dissertation study at The Chicago School, aims to assess clinicians’ knowledge of RBTS, including awareness of assessment tools and treatment approaches. The survey consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete, with optional open-ended questions adding up to 15 minutes. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and will help identify gaps in training and resources for mental health professionals.
To participate or learn more, see the flyer below and click here.
| | In-Person Trainings & Events | |
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- Click here to view the full list of the Mental Health Association of Maryland's "Resiliency Road Trip" training series.
- April 26th, 2025, 7 PM: Talbot Interfaith Shelter: Lip Sync Battle. Waterfowl Building, Easton, MD.
- April 26th, 2025, 10 AM - 11:30 AM: Dorchester County Health Department: Community Clean-Up Day. Calvin Mo Wbray Park, 700 Weaver Avenue, Cambridge, MD.
- April 26th, 2025, 12 PM - 2 PM: YMCA of the Chesapeake: Healthy Kids Day. Pauline F. & W. David Robbins Family YMCA. Email smajors@ymcachesapeake.org.
- May 1st, 2025, 4 PM - 6 PM: Mace’s Lane Middle School & Choptank Elementary School: Annual Mental Health Night. Mace’s Lane Middle School. (Save the date.)
- May 16th, 9 AM - 2 PM: Queen Anne’s County Community Services - Area Agency on Aging: 20th Annual Senior Summit - The Roaring Twenties. QAC 4-H Park, Centreville, MD. Contact Julie Stokes.
- May 16th, 9:30 AM - 2 PM: Colaborers International: Literacy Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Therapy. To learn more, email Melissa.
- May 17th - 18th, 2025, Saturday 9 AM - 3 PM, Sunday 9 AM - 2 PM: Talbot Hospice: Supporting Young Hearts: Camp to Heal & Grow. 10659 Hiners Lane, Easton, MD 21601. For more information, call Jody Gunn, Grief & Spiritual Care Chaplain 410-822-6681 ext. 116.
- May 20th - 22nd, 2025, All Day: National Digital Inclusion Alliance: Net Inclusion 2025. Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, AZ.
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- View all Maryland Family and Youth Interventions for Substance Use (Maryland FYI) Free Provider Training and Family Support Opportunities here.
- View all Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center SUD Series here.
- View Maryland Digital Equity Coalition: Digital Equity Grant Webinar Planning Series here.
- June 11th - 13th, 2025, All Day: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMICon 2025.
| | Mid Shore Suicide Coalition | | |
The Mid Shore Suicide Coalition, a partnership between Channel Marker and Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., focuses on suicide prevention through educational resources, training initiatives, and community events. The coalition offers toolkits, suicide prevention training, and a variety of resources for survivors of suicide loss, along with support for individuals and communities impacted by suicide.
To join or learn more, visit Mid Shore Suicide Coalition.
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- Mid Shore Therapist Support Network: A monthly network group for therapists who are open to working with lgbtq+ individuals and need to build skills and confidence to do so. Email Rachel Hutchison for more information.
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Grief Share Recovery Group meets Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, starting February 6th to May 1st. Bethlehem Wesleyan Church, Preston, MD.
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NAMI KQA offers a free online peer-led Family Support Group, for family members of older teens and adults struggling with serious mental illness -- the FSG meets twice a month. More info at 443-480-0565 or namikentandqueenannes@gmail.com.
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Talbot Mentors Parent Support Group, the last Wednesday of every month. This support group focuses on three areas that families have identified as important: Financial Literacy, Mental Health, and Art.
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The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) invites families and friends of homicide victims to participate in a safe peer support group. MCVRC welcomes individuals, families, and friends to benefit from this free support service whether or not there has been an arrest or prosecution. To join, please call MCVRC at 301-952-0063 and do an intake with an advocate. This group meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month in a hybrid format.
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Delmarva Gender Expression Movement (GEM) is a support group for those exploring or identifying anywhere along the gender spectrum. They meet every 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at UUFE. The address is 7401 Ocean Gateway, Easton—email Tina.
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health Youth Support Group for youths ages 12-17. Call 410-222-7076 for more details.
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- The Shelter Alliance, a non-profit organization in Chestertown, MD, is seeking a full-time Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have experience in shelter operations, nonprofit management, and fundraising, with a commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Responsibilities include program and resource management, community outreach, policy development, and personnel oversight. For best consideration, view the job posting here.
- Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc. is hiring a Young Adult Peer Support Specialist to provide peer support for individuals ages 18-35 facing mental health and/or substance use challenges. This full-time position (40 hours/week) includes daytime, evening, and some weekend hours. Applicants must have lived experience with recovery and a valid driver’s license. To apply, email your resume to dianelane@chesapeakevoyagers.org.
- Channel Marker is hiring Mental Health Case Managers and Residential Overnight Group Home Counselors to support individuals in their recovery journey. For more information and to apply, visit the employment section of their website at https://channelmarker.org/employment.
- The Dorchester County Council (Council) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure the contract services of an attorney or several attorneys, licensed in the State of Maryland, to serve as legal counsel and Director of the new Dorchester County Family Advocacy Clinic. This position is grant-funded and the Dorchester County Circuit Court (Court) is the administrator of such grant. The Council intends to make a single award as a result of this RFP. If multiple attorneys submit a proposal, it is expected that they will submit their proposal together and identify which of them will serve as the Director of the Clinic. To learn more click here.
- CASA of Caroline, Inc., an established non-profit located in central Denton, MD, seeks a qualified professional to serve as its next Executive Director. Qualified professionals should have a master’s degree in social work, psychology, or child welfare-related field, or a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in child welfare and/or case management. Applicants who have knowledge & understanding of the juvenile court system and the needs of abused & neglected children are preferred. Other desired areas of skills and knowledge include grant writing, volunteer management, public relations, fundraising & development, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Please send your resume to carolinecasa@verizon.net.
- Dorchester County CWS is hiring compassionate individuals to serve as paid shelter monitors from December 1st through March 31st, with evening and overnight shifts available on weeknights and weekends. Applications are accepted in person at Delmarva Community Services, Inc., 2450 Cambridge Beltway, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- For All Seasons is seeking dedicated professionals for multiple positions, including Licensed Therapist, Licensed School-Based Therapist, and Licensed Therapist (Forensic Program). Ideal candidates will provide trauma-informed clinical services and support clients in various settings. These full-time opportunities offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Click here to apply.
| | Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) Program | | |
The Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) program, established in 2023, connects middle and high school students in Caroline, Chestertown, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties with career opportunities in the medical field. ITCH provides hands-on experiences, mentorship, and career planning to help students explore healthcare professions beyond what they see on TV. Through job shadowing, internships, and professional guidance, ITCH empowers young people to build confidence, develop career goals, and support the future of local healthcare.
Learn more here.
| | Grant & Funding Opportunities | |
Caroline County Residents
Kent County Residents
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Queen Anne's County Residents
Talbot County Residents
| | Additional Links & Resources | | Looking for support and guidance as a family member or loved one of someone with a mental health condition? Register now for NAMI Family-to-Family, a free, 8-session education program designed to provide insight, skills, and resources to help you navigate mental health challenges with confidence. Taught by trained family members, this evidence-based course covers conditions like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, along with essential topics such as communication, problem-solving, treatment, and recovery. Classes begin March 27, 2025 and are available to residents in select Maryland counties. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and connect with others who understand. Contact NAMI Maryland at 410-884-8691 or skebede@namimd.org to register today! | | Pediatric CPR Training Opportunity | | |
The Talbot County Department of Emergency Services is offering a Pediatric & Infant CPR/AED training course on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1 PM. This American Red Cross-certified course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to emergencies involving infants and young children.
The training will be held at the Talbot County Operations Center, 605 Port Street, Easton, MD (conference room on the left-hand side of the lobby). The class lasts approximately one to one and a half hours. The registration fee is $30, payable by cash, money order, or check. Each family will receive one certification card upon successful completion, with additional cards available for $25 each. Please note that training starts promptly at 1 PM, and late arrivals may be rescheduled for a future class.
For more details or to register, contact Pediatric Champion Katelyn Killian at kgunderson@talbotdes.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain essential lifesaving skills!
| | New Spanish Resources from Mental Health America | | |
Mental Health America (MHA) is excited to offer new Spanish-language resources designed to support young people's mental health. The Supporting Young Minds guides feature practical tools, including sample communications, engaging classroom activities, colorful handouts, and a DIY worksheet and poster. Ideal for parents, educators, and caregivers, these free guides provide valuable resources for empowering Spanish-speaking youth and promoting mental well-being.
Get the guide here.
| | Maryland Behavioral Health Administration Burial Assistance | | |
The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration provides resources for families struggling with the cost of burials. Through their programs, they offer financial assistance to help cover funeral expenses for individuals who have passed away, particularly for low-income residents. These services ensure that families facing financial hardship can give their loved ones a dignified burial.
Learn more here.
| | 988 Around the U.S. Video | | This video showcases 988 including what 988 is, who it is for, and people around the country who are involved with the number. | | Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition | | |
The Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition is making it easier to get connected to health resources in the region.
Residents can now text MIDSHORE to 898-211 and receive a monthly notification with a calendar of health events taking place within Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties.
Find health fairs, support groups, new parent classes, blood pressure screening, food pantries, walking groups, diabetes prevention programs, and so much more!
| | The A.F. Whitsitt Center is now offering convenient pick-up services for individuals seeking treatment. This new initiative ensures that transportation is no longer a barrier to accessing care. Scan the qr code in the image below to learn more. | | Click here for a centralized electronic resource for community partners on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, focusing on Autism-related needs such as events, education, medical support, advocacy, and mental health. | | |
Do your patients currently have health insurance through Medicaid or the
Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)?
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This year, Medicaid renewals are not automatic.
- Ask your patients to make sure their contact information is up to date with Maryland Health Connection.
- Encourage them to be on the lookout for notices, as they will be contacted by mail or through their online account when it’s their turn to renew.
- And please stress the importance of completing renewals on time. Participants can log in to their account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Checkin or call 855-642-8572 to get started.
| | BHIPP Consultation Warmline is Available Year-Round | Child mental health specialists are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (except on major holidays) to provide consultation in many areas of behavioral health including medication management, diagnostic issues, developmental delays, school/learning issues, autism spectrum disorders, trauma, and early childhood mental health. Call 855-Md-BHIPP (632-4477) Click here for more information. | | |
DEI Impact Statement
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. acknowledges that behavioral health systems have historically been used as a tool to perpetuate racism. Racism causes trauma. Racial bias within these systems cultivates health disparities and inequities, which can reinforce racial oppression.
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Value Statement
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is devoted to providing exceptional service to our community with passion and commitment to our core values: Integrity, Inclusive Collaboration, Progressive Leadership, and Advocacy.
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Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.
28578 Mary’s Court, Suite 1
Easton, MD 21601
410-770-4801
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